KEARNEY, NE — Practice is on at Nebraska Kearney’s new Blessing Wrestling Facility.

From natural light, to ample room, to workout equipment… the new space feels like it has everything for the reigning national champion Lopers. Aside from a new set of graphics, there’s one thing missing for Coach Dalton Jensen: a visit from the facility’s namesake.

“Talking with Ron and Pam over the years… I’ve told them multiple times I couldn’t wait until this facility is open and I can walk them hand-in-hand through this facility,” Jensen said.

Tragically, Ron Blessing won’t get to see the facility that bears his family’s name. The owner of Blessing Construction died in a worksite accident in March.

“That was a big heartache to our program," Jensen said. "That was tough, that happened the week before we headed down to the NCAA championships. That was a real tough loss and I think, at the end of the day, it just kind of gives this facility even some more meaning.”

Loper wrestling certainly had meaning for Ron. He supported the program ever since he strapped on a singlet as an unofficial replacement wrestler in his college days.

His nephew, Joel Gargan, says Ron was known to start impromptu wrestling bouts with family, friends, and employees.

“If you were in range, you could be in a match at any moment, which is kind of what you miss now that he’s not here," Gargan said.

He says Ron was motivated to become the facility’s primary donor because the wrestlers reflect his values.

“High-character kids that care about how they show up to work every day, how they perform, how much work they put into it," Gargan said. "I think Ron saw that and it was something he wanted to be a part of.”

Jensen says it was the Blessing’s commitment that put plans in motion for the $2.66 million project to convert the old pool into a complex that rivals many Division l programs.

Those who knew Ron, say he would be happy to know the program values the new facility.

“I told that to Pam. You know, I’m saddened that I don’t get to walk with her and Ron through this facility, but we’ll walk Pam through here and we know that Ron will be watching,” Jensen said.

“I think he’d be proud to see what’s transpired since he’s been gone, to finally see it come to fruition," Gargan said. "I think beyond that, he’s happy to have been a part of it and I just hope when he’s looks down and sees what’s going on he continues to be proud.”

UNK plans to host a grand opening event in a couple of months once all of the custom graphics are in place in the facility.